Health Minister urges unity to prevent child abuse

~~Adz:Left~~ Roadtown, Tortola - Minister of Health and Social Development, Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC has called for the Territory to take a stand against child abuse.

In a message delivered on the occasion of World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse last Wednesday, the minister said “the Government is committed to continuous improvement of and to providing affordable opportunities for children and families”. The minister added that she was pleased to have signed the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Programme Action Plan 2008-2011 and believed that it held value for the Territory and its children and the future.

Honourable Penn stated that the Government remained committed to the fight against child abuse and encouraged parents to contact the Social Development Department (SDD) to learn more about the parenting classes currently being offered.

As World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse was observed in the Territory, a team of officers from the SDD and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force visited various schools and supermarkets to hand out educational packages to parents and caregivers, and pencils to children.

Ms. Shirma George, Social Worker with the SDD, said the public has been receptive to the campaign thus far and encouraged the department in its educational efforts.

While the SDD continues to promote awareness on the prevention of child abuse, Mrs. Vansittart Todd-Huggins, Acting Principal of the Eselyn Henley Richez Learning Centre advised parents to maintain a close relationship with their children and to be knowledgeable about the signs of child abuse.

World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse is commemorated every year on November 19, in keeping with the anniversary of the International Day for The Rights of The Child on November 20. It aims to be a rallying point around the issue of child abuse and the need for more urgent and effective prevention programmes.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavours to provide leadership which promotes health, social wellness and a safe environment as positive resources for maintaining healthy lifestyles. Among other things, the Ministry is responsible for safeguarding the health and social development of the Territory.